Girls Aloud win Best British Single at the BRITs

Girls Aloud's single 'The Promise' was named the year's Best British Single at the BRIT Awards tonight (February 18).

Comedian Alan Carr presented the award, initially joking that reality star Diana Vickers had won.

Coming onstage to a chorus of cheers, Girls Aloud all took turns to say their thanks. Kimberley Walsh spoke first, thanking the public, the band's writing team Xenomania and her family.

Next up, Sarah Harding screamed into the microphone, "Can I just say, it's about time! I think I've just wet myself there…"

Finally, Cheryl Cole thanked the band's fans. "This is the cherry on the cake," she said. "Have a nice night!"

The acts nominated for Best British Single were:

Adele – 'Chasing Pavements'
Alexandra Burke – 'Hallelujah'
Coldplay – 'Viva La Vida'
Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris and Chrome – 'Dance Wiv Me'
Duffy – 'Mercy'
Estelle ft Kanye West – 'American Boy'
Girls Aloud – 'The Promise'
Leona Lewis – 'Better in Time'
Scouting for Girls – 'Heartbeat'
'The X Factor' Finalists – 'Hero'

Keep checking NME.COM throughout the evening for the latest from the BRIT Awards 2009.

For more stories and the results from the 2009 BRIT Awards head to NME.COM's BRIT Award index now.

For more on the BRIT Awards, head to our photo gallery of images from the night.

You can also head to the NME Office Blog for our minute-by-minute BRIT Awards live blog.